November 18, 2025 - In Shelby County, something powerful is happening – a movement that looks and feels like the early Church in the book of Acts. Local congregations are rising up being the Churches That Care, living out the heart of God by meeting real needs and showing His love in action.
At the center of this Kingdom work is CarePortal, a simple but transformative tool that connects local churches to the immediate needs of children and families in crisis. When a teacher or social worker identifies a need – like a bed for a child, groceries for a struggling parent, or help keeping the lights on – that request is entered into CarePortal. Within moments, the Churches receive the alert to step into action.
“CarePortal doesn’t replace the Church – it equips the Church… It’s simply the bridge that helps the people of God respond quickly and compassionately to needs right here in our community.” - Primary Point Person
Through Kingdom partnerships – and collaboration with Center ISD and Pineywood Outreach Center – five local churches and one community champion have already served 222 people, including 173 children in Shelby County, TX. Churches are transforming how our community supports its most vulnerable members. From the sanctuary to the schoolhouse, believers are responding in unity – meeting needs, building relationships, and demonstrating the love of Christ beyond the church walls.
Each request met tells a story:
- A child who finally sleeps in a bed for the first time.
- A mother who weeps with relief when groceries arrive just in time.
- A family who remains together because the Church answered the call.
Those moments remind us that the Church isn’t confined to a building on Sunday morning –it’s alive and active in the streets, schools, and homes of Shelby County. Churches are proving that unity and faith still change lives. Every request met is more than a need filled – it’s a story rewritten. As believers respond to the growing number of requests, they are not only meeting physical needs but also building relationships, restoring dignity, and reminding families they are not alone.
Sister Vanessa Davis of Open Door Worship Center summed it up perfectly: "Let’s put Unity back in community.”
This is the Kingdom in action – faith becoming action, and love taking tangible form. This is more than a program, it’s a care-sharing movement, where believers share resources and meet needs in unity and love. When the body of Christ comes together with open hands and open hearts, entire communities can be transformed.
Now as requests from families continue to rise, there is an opportunity for more churches and community champions to join the care-sharing movement. Every church has a role to play, and every believer can make a difference. Together, we can ensure no child or family in our community is unseen or unsupported—because when the Church shows up, lives change. Be the Church That Cares, visit www.careportal.org to join the care-sharing movement.
Current Network of Churches, Agencies, and Community Champions:
- First Methodist Church – Center, TX
- Open Door Worship Center – Center, TX
- Bright Morning Star MBC – Center, TX
- Bennett Chapel MBC – Center, TX
- Pleasant Grove Baptist Church – Center, TX
- Center ISD
- Pineywood Outreach Center
- SaksOfLove
To join the Care-Sharing Movement or learn more:
Contact: Marquita Garrett
Email: Marquita.Garrett@careportal.org
Website: www.careportal.org
